"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Publisher Claims Oblivion Remastered Boosted Game Visibility"

When Bethesda unexpectedly released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered during the same week as the launch of the fellow role-playing game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, many anticipated a fierce competition. However, Kepler Interactive's senior portfolio manager, Matt Handrahan, revealed to The Game Business that not only did Oblivion not overshadow Clair Obscur, but the latter actually thrived due to heightened interest in the RPG genre spurred by Oblivion's release.

To provide context, RPG enthusiasts were faced with a tough decision: delve into the vast world of Cyrodiil in Oblivion or embark on a unique journey to defeat the Paintress in Clair Obscur. The simultaneous release of these titles sparked a mix of excitement and frustration among fans, prompting a witty response from Kepler Interactive. On X/Twitter, Kepler posted a modified image depicting Clair Obscur characters entering an Oblivion Gate, captioned with "omg its like barbenheimer," humorously referencing the concurrent cinematic releases of Barbie and Oppenheimer in 2023.

omg its like barbenheimer pic.twitter.com/TN1AFzdggc

— Kepler Interactive (@Kepler_Interact) April 22, 2025

Microsoft, the owner of Bethesda and a major supporter of Clair Obscur since its showcase at last year's Xbox event, faced criticism for the shadow-drop of Oblivion alongside Clair Obscur, especially since both games were available on Game Pass from day one.

Nevertheless, Handrahan remained optimistic, stating, "We always knew that Expedition 33 had a very specific identity." He highlighted the distinct appeal of Western and Japanese-style RPGs, noting that fans of one genre aren't necessarily fans of the other. "By the time we launched, we had our own momentum and were confident in standing beside Oblivion. Factors like our pricing and inclusion in Game Pass ensured substantial interest. The launch went exceptionally well, and being near Oblivion didn't hurt us at all. Instead, it drew more attention to quality RPGs that week, fueling discussions about the genre."

Did You Play *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered*, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, or Both? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion RemasteredClair Obscur: Expedition 33Both

AnswerSee ResultsClair Obscur has proven to be a massive success for Kepler Interactive and its French developer, Sandfall Interactive, selling over 1 million copies in just three days and achieving impressive concurrent player numbers on Steam. The game's success even earned commendation from French President Macron.

Bethesda reported that Oblivion Remastered has attracted over 4 million players since its launch, though specific sales figures remain undisclosed. It, too, boasts significant concurrent player counts on Steam.

Data from Ampere, cited by The Game Business, indicates that 35% of Clair Obscur players also played Oblivion Remastered, highlighting a substantial overlap, particularly among Game Pass subscribers. The overlap decreases for players on Steam and PlayStation 5.

For more on *Oblivion Remastered*, check out our report on a player who ventured beyond Cyrodiil to explore Valenwood, Skyrim, and even Hammerfell, the speculated setting for *The Elder Scrolls VI*.

Our comprehensive guide to Oblivion Remastered includes an expansive Interactive Map, detailed Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and all Guild Quests, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, Things to Do First, and a list of every PC Cheat Code, among other resources.

For those diving into Clair Obscur, don't miss our tips on the essential things to know before starting your adventure.